Buying used equipment

[Jelster]

Since really enjoying my last studio shoot I have had a radical change in direction of where I want to go with photography. Previously I was mainly interested in wildlife and motorsport, but now I want to do more in the studio.

So, this has also changed my thinking about moving forward with a new camera. I had my heart set on a 40D, but now I'm feeling the pull of the luxury that is "full frame", and want a 5D instead.

So, I have set a budget of around £2k, for the following:

17-40 f4 L
24-105 f4 L
EOS 5D body
Grip for above

This is going to push me into "used" territory for the 5D. I've been looking on Ebay at used kit, and I think that I could find one at the right price, but wondered if anybody could suggest any retailers that generally have a good selection of used equipment, and what your thoughts are on buying such an expensive item "2nd hand". ??

If I decide to save for a bit more and get a new 5D, maybe the 5D Mk II will be here then (but I won't hold my breath)


Thanks,
Steve

[StewartR]

Steve, I don't have an opinion about the merits of buying second-hand (having said that, I did buy a 200mm f/1.8L (http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/canon-ef-200mm-f18-l-usm-35-p.asp) second-hand!) but there are a few reputable dealers around who concentrate on used stock.

MPB Photographic (http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/) is one that springs to mind. The London Camera Exchange (http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/index_group.php) is another. Plus, lots of "traditional" family firms such as Mifsuds (http://www.mifsuds.com/acatalog/ActChange.htm) and Ffordes (https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm) have extensive used stocks.

[grumpybadger]

I recently bought a 1Ds Mk II from Aperture (http://www.apertureuk.com)

I buy lots of my kit second hand. As long as you are careful, it's a good way to get top flight kit for less money.

[marky_h]

Another vote for MPB - bought a 20D which was in excellent condition, and great value.

[Banath]

Mifsuds have a 5D body for £849:

http://www.mifsuds.com/usedpriceindex.htm

I got a D200 off them this week its mint, I live in Burnley and they're in Devon did a Part X for my Fuji S2 Pro all by email and post well chuffed with the service.

[CT]

I've bought quite a bit of used stuff from Ffordes, one of the biggest retailers of used camera equipment in the country. I find them very accurate in their descriptions of the condition of the items they advertise.

FFORDES (https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm)

[Jelster]

Thanks for the feedback.

Anything in particular I should look at when buying a used 5D ?

Steve

[inaneredstripe]

have you looked at the london camera exchange.
theyve got shops all over . our local one in nottingham had a 5d in recently for about £750.
we recently upgraded from a 30d to a 5d. good decision.
the 24-105 is awesome. we paid £2700 at focus for the 5 , a 24-105 and a 100-400. and got £270 cashback.
the best bet is dealers, who will at least offer a short cover period if it all goes breasts upermost. buy private , and you have no comeback.
the regular members on her excepted of course. i hope.
have you tried (HIM) yet?
kerso cam get excelent deals on new kit.
we havent had our 5 long enough to now what probs may arise. good condition and no evidence of drops is a start.
if poss, try it out.in the shop with a lens on it. has to beL as you know.
sigma do some lenses (dg,s isnt it?) suitable for the 5 too. the 18 mm fish eye is AWESOME.